June 24, 2015
- Milk – Whether you have heard it from your parents or your doctor, drinking milk has proven to make your bones strong – and it’s no different when it comes to your teeth. The calcium in milk strengthens your teeth’s enamel, making your teeth strong enough to prevent cavities from forming.
- Cheese – Similar to milk, cheese has nonacidic nutrients such as calcium that help build stronger teeth. In fact, studies with Dutch Edam cheese showed that “children ages 7 to 9 who ate a 5-gram cube after breakfast each day for two years had significantly fewer cavities than other children.”
- Fruits & Veggies – Fruits and vegetables that are especially crunchy (e.g. melons, pineapples, celery, and carrots), create good saliva flow through your mouth. The saliva flow protects your teeth from acid exposure, which in turn helps safeguard your teeth from deterioration.
- Yogurt – Believe it or not, most dental problems are caused by bacteria or germs living in your mouth. To help repopulate your mouth with healthy bacteria, eat a yogurt or two every day. Yogurt contains both protein and probiotics and will make your mouth a healthier environment for your teeth to live in.
- Raisins – Raisins are high in fiber and contain a phytochemical called oleanolic acid that acts as an antibacterial against certain plaque bacteria. Because raisins are acidic, it’s important to consume them after, or along with, acidic fighting foods like milk or yogurt.
- Nuts – A variety of nuts, including peanuts, almonds, cashews, and walnuts, contain a diverse group of vitamins and minerals that are healthy for your teeth. Nuts are a great snack to pack while on the go, and are a much better alternative to M&Ms or Cheeze Its.
